SNK’s got some real treats for you this October! Two of their best Neo-Geo titles are now available for download on PS3 and PSP. First is the 2-D action run-and-gunner Metal Slug 2. And then there’s the iconic brawler The King of Fighters ’96.

While most Metal Slug fans consider the third game the best in the series, the second one isn’t too shabby either. Choose from one of four wacky military guerillas and jump & shoot, as well as throw grenades at all sorts of enemies ranging from terrorists to…mummies?!? The game was meant to be a quarter muncher in the arcades, so it is pretty difficult. But you get unlimited continues here so it’s not too bad. The caricatured graphics are pretty cartoony and silly, but also pretty darn violent, too. Especially back then! But strangely enough, the default settings replace the red blood with a white color, so it looks like everyone drank 4 gallons of milk before going out on the battlefield. I’m not sure if there is a way to change the blood back to the original color, I couldn’t find that option in the menu screen. But other than that, the graphics are very well animated and almost artistic. You can also ride in all sorts of vehicles, from tanks to robots and even a helpful camel. Two players can go at it at the same time, too. Definitely a worthy download for arcade fans.

The King of Fighters ’96 is a one-on-one 2-D brawler with iconic SNK characters from other fighters and games. You can play in teams of three against the CPU or another player, or just fight one person. It is pretty difficult, even on the easiest settings (either that or I just stink at fighters). But KOF ’96 is probably one of the better ones in the series, and includes a lot of my favorite characters including Ralf, Clark (the Ikari Warriors), and Leona. Both games are a must download if you like SNK classics. And you can play both online, too!

Kid Factor:

Both games are rated T for Teen. Metal Slug 2 has ESRB descriptors of Blood & Gore and Violence. And KOF ’96 has ESRB descriptors of Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, and Violence. Some of the female fighters’ outfits in KOF ’96 are a bit suggestive (Mai, you’re the main culprit), and one of the other characters drinks from a flask a lot. Even though KOF is a fighter, I actually think Metal Slug 2 is more violent. I’d probably be OK with preteens playing these, though. They were in arcades when I was young and I think I turned out all right. And both are great games to play together with someone.

Tags: Game Reviews